Masaka Masaka: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

5 Minute Read

Music

Based in Kampala, Masaka Masaka is arguably one of the most innovative and exciting DJ’s to emerge from Uganda focussing on broadening the horizons of listeners and dancers, drawing influence from abstract sounds.

Masaka Masaka is the alias of Ian Nnyanzi, a Ugandan producer and DJ who has incredible taste and is eager to share. Based in Kampala he cut his teeth making beats influenced by Hip Hop. However, he was always seeking something more and expressed a frustration at the local safeguarding of style and genre explaining that “out here, everyone seems okay to listen to the same thing”.

His own tastes have evolved exponentially as he draws influence from the likes of Dean Blunt, Vegyn, Jpegmafia and Arca.

He is keen to bring a degree of experimentalism to his music and this is perhaps why he has formed a close relationship with record label Hakuna Kulala with whom he shares certain principles. He released his album on the label earlier this year.

As DJ his style is versatile and broad assortment of ‘big’ tunes paired with those lesser known and under the radar. A delicately crafted balance for the club.

Listen and get familiar below:

You’re pretty new on our radar, fancy telling us a little bit about yourself?

Hey World!

Who are you: I am Masaka Masaka

Where are you: From Kampala, Uganda (East Africa).

What are you: I am a record Record Producer / Multidisciplinary Artist.

Where was the mix recorded?

This Mix was recorded on a Breathtaking Rooftop Location Encanto on Acacia Avenue overlooking suburbs of Kamwokya, Bukoto, and Kyebando during my Recent DJ Set at Vortex organised by MIDNIGHT TSUNAMI Collective.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Ideal Setting for listening? Anywhere you can bust a move comfortably.

What should we be wearing, dress code?

No rules here, wear what speaks to you.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

Picture this: me, CDJs, Set of Monitors, surrounded by nature, with an audience of plants and anyone who’s down for an interesting supply of tunes.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Gotta be “Counting” (Taiki Nulight Remix) by Hamdi/Taiki Nulight.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

That’d be my debut on Oroko Radio’s Nsasi Juiced – just a bunch of stuff I vibe with.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

It’s a very tricky and interesting question, Diplo hands down, i view him as one of the Final Bosses of DJ/Producers that constantly push to make things weird.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

First DJ setup?

Started with this tiny controller DJ2GO2 from a buddy Thii.

Now?

Rocking a Standard Rekordbox Controller, nothing too flashy., but every once in a while, I am trying to switch to XDJ Series Models.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

I’d say the opener sets the tone, but I don’t sweat the last track too much.

What were the first and last records you bought?

“No” by Duval Timothy was my debut, and my latest grab was “Inventor Vol 1” by DJ Znobia.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

A beef cheeseburger, hands down. It’s like my guilty pleasure – not a regular thing, but when I indulge, it’s bliss.

If it was an animal what would it be?